Diamond Universityhttp://blingbling.weddingsocial.net
Diamond University is a resource for researching diamond jewelry for engagement and weddings.Wed, 11 Jan 2012 03:00:04 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=3.8.24Wedding and Engagement Ringshttp://blingbling.weddingsocial.net/2011/10/wedding-and-engagement-rings/
http://blingbling.weddingsocial.net/2011/10/wedding-and-engagement-rings/#commentsSat, 08 Oct 2011 14:41:19 +0000http://blingbling.weddingsocial.net/?p=65It’s the day you’ve been waiting for; you get to the alter and pronounce your vows, and it’s time for the best man to present the wedding rings, he pats his top pockets then his bottom pockets and you stare at him with a nervous glare hoping he has not forgotten or lost one of the most important items for your wedding, the rings! But there they are in his inside pocket and he passes them over to you and a look of relief washes over your face!

Engagement rings are the be all and end all to any wedding, they are typically more simple gold, platinum or silver bands and it is the engagement ring that has the diamonds. However, some men like to spoil a woman and get her a wedding ring that sparkles with diamonds, as well. Like they say diamonds are a girl’s best friend! Wedding rings are usually exchanged on the bride and groom’s fingers at the end of the vows right before the first kiss as man and wife.

The wedding bands symbolize unity and a constant circle of life. The ring will be a reminder of the love you and your partner share as you journey together through life, thick and thin, sickness and health, richer or poorer, and everything else in between. Although there may be rocky roads along your journey, you will still be on this journey together, as a support to the one you love, and the circle will continue! Some grandmothers or mothers pass their wedding rings down to their granddaughters or daughters as a symbol of love and friendship. This can be a treasured jewel for years as a family memorabilia.

Wedding rings are typically bought from a jeweler but they can be purchased second hand or even on the internet. The important thing is to do your research! If you don’t know exactly what to look for, seek advice from family, friends, the internet, or a local jeweler. The most important part of the wedding is saying “I do” then slipping that ring onto the finger of the person you love, knowing that you will spend the rest of your life with them. No day is more special than your wedding day! Make it memorable, and do your homework about rings beforehand!

]]>http://blingbling.weddingsocial.net/2011/10/wedding-and-engagement-rings/feed/3Diamond Grading Reportshttp://blingbling.weddingsocial.net/2011/08/diamond-grading-reports/
http://blingbling.weddingsocial.net/2011/08/diamond-grading-reports/#commentsWed, 10 Aug 2011 04:59:26 +0000http://blingbling.weddingsocial.net/?p=27You’ve been told that having a certificate or
a diamond grading report is important, and
as a responsible consumer, you get one –
unfortunately, you probably won’t understand
a word of what is on that diamond grading
report, unless you are a jeweler.

On the color grading scale, D, E, and F
mean that the diamond has no color. G, H,
and I means that it has very little color. J, K,
and L means that the diamond has a slight
yellow color. P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, and X
means that the diamond is a darker shade
of yellow. Z means that the diamond has a
fancy color – other than white or yellow.
On the color grading scale, D is the most
valuable, and X is the least valuable –
however diamonds that get a Z rating are
the rarest and most expensive diamonds
in the world.

There are many aspects to a grading report.
Figuring it all out can be very confusing. You
should talk to a jeweler you trust, and have
them explain everything on the diamond
grading report to you.

]]>http://blingbling.weddingsocial.net/2011/08/diamond-grading-reports/feed/4Watch out for these 6 Diamond Scamshttp://blingbling.weddingsocial.net/2011/08/watch-out-for-these-6-diamond-scams/
http://blingbling.weddingsocial.net/2011/08/watch-out-for-these-6-diamond-scams/#commentsWed, 10 Aug 2011 04:34:47 +0000http://blingbling.weddingsocial.net/?p=25When it comes to diamonds, there are numerous scams to avoid. Most scams are minor, but there are some major ones that come up from time to time concerning the buying and selling of diamonds. Scams occur simply because most people who buy diamonds – for whatever reasons – don’t know that much about diamonds. Therefore, they are easily fooled.

Jewelry stores like to show their diamonds in bright lights. Lights make diamonds shine. Ask to see the diamond in a different, darker type of lighting as well. Jewelry also stores often run ‘fluorescence’ scams to varying degrees. Referring to a diamond as a blue-white diamond is such a scam. A blue-white diamond sounds very unique and special, but in fact, this type of diamond is of lesser quality – even though the jeweler will try to make you think you are getting something special.

A common scam that most jewelry stores participate in is the Carat Total Weight scam. The tag on the piece of jewelry, usually a ring, only states the total carat weight of all diamonds in the piece, instead of listing the total weights separately for each diamond. This leads consumers to believe that the main diamond in the piece is actually bigger than it is. Ask what the total carat weight of the center stone is. Also beware of fractions. Jewelry stores are allowed to round off diamond weights. This means that if the jeweler tells you that it is a ¾ carat diamond, it is probably between ½ and ¾ carat – but closer to ¾.

Some truly unscrupulous jewelers target those who want appraisals on diamonds that were given to them as gifts or that were purchased elsewhere. They will try to tell you that the diamond is worthless, or worth less than it actually is worth – and offer to take it off your hands or trade it for a much better diamond, along with the cash to make up the difference. This is called low balling. Get a second, third, and even a forth opinion before taking any action.

Jewelry stores often run ‘fluorescence’ scams to varying degrees. Referring to a diamond as a blue-white diamond is such a scam. A blue-white diamond sounds very unique and special, but in fact, this type of diamond is of lesser quality – even though the jeweler will try to make you think you are getting something special. Jewelry stores also like to show their diamonds in bright lights. Lights make diamonds shine. Ask to see the diamond in a different, darker type of lighting as well.

Another common dirty trick is to switch the diamond you have chosen and paid for with one of lesser quality and value when you leave it to be set in a piece of jewelry, or leave a diamond ring to be sized. The only way to avoid this is to do business with one trustworthy jeweler. Avoid jewelers that you have not done business with in the past.

There are many more scams that jewelry stores commonly pull on unsuspecting consumers. Just use your best judgment, and purchase your diamonds with the utmost care and consideration.

]]>http://blingbling.weddingsocial.net/2011/08/watch-out-for-these-6-diamond-scams/feed/6Diamond Historyhttp://blingbling.weddingsocial.net/2011/08/diamond-history/
http://blingbling.weddingsocial.net/2011/08/diamond-history/#commentsWed, 10 Aug 2011 04:23:10 +0000http://blingbling.weddingsocial.net/?p=23The name diamond is derived from the ancient Greek αδάμας(adámas), “proper”, “unalterable”, “unbreakable”, “untamed”, from ἀ- (a-), “un-” + δαμάω (damáō), “I overpower”, “I tame”.[3] Diamonds are thought to have been first recognized and mined in India, where significant alluvial deposits of the stone could be found many centuries ago along the rivers Penner, Krishna and Godavari. Diamonds have been known in India for at least 3,000 years but most likely 6,000 years.[4]

Diamonds have been treasured as gemstones since their use as religious icons in ancient India. Their usage in engraving tools also dates to early human history.[5][6] The popularity of diamonds has risen since the 19th century because of increased supply, improved cutting and polishing techniques, growth in the world economy, and innovative and successful advertising campaigns.[7]

In 1772, Antoine Lavoisier used a lens to concentrate the rays of the sun on a diamond in an atmosphere of oxygen, and showed that the only product of the combustion was carbon dioxide, proving that diamond is composed of carbon. Later in 1797, Smithson Tennant repeated and expanded that experiment. By demonstrating that burning diamond and graphite releases the same amount of gas he established the chemical equivalence of these substances.[8]

The most familiar use of diamonds today is as gemstones used for adornment, a use which dates back into antiquity. The dispersion of white light into spectral colors is the primary gemological characteristic of gem diamonds. In the 20th century, experts in gemology have developed methods of grading diamonds and other gemstones based on the characteristics most important to their value as a gem. Four characteristics, known informally as the four Cs, are now commonly used as the basic descriptors of diamonds: these are carat, cut, color, and clarity.[9] A large, flawless diamond is known as a paragon.

]]>http://blingbling.weddingsocial.net/2011/08/diamond-history/feed/116Diamonds 101http://blingbling.weddingsocial.net/2011/08/diamonds-101/
http://blingbling.weddingsocial.net/2011/08/diamonds-101/#commentsWed, 10 Aug 2011 04:06:08 +0000http://blingbling.weddingsocial.net/?p=21Diamonds radiate with more than their sparkle. They radiate with romance! With love! With dreams come true! For some people these words are all synonymous. “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend,” sang Carol Channing in the Broadway show, “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” and a half-century later these words still resonate with some truth. Immortalized as a symbol of love at an engagement, diamonds have adorned the heads of kings and queens, and been the bait of ransom for others. Many men have died trying to acquire diamonds, and women have been known to sell their honor to be able to wear them. Diamonds themselves were found in India many thousands of year ago and adorned only the wealthiest at that time.

Diamonds also play another role in our society – that of being one of the hardest known substances that modern industry can use. The word diamond originally came from the Greek word ‘adamas,’ which meant indestructible. Because the majority of diamonds mined are either too small or too imperfect to adorn the hand of love, they are used for industrial purposes where their hardness, rather than their beauty, reflects their value.

Diamonds are measured by weight, much like coal or potatoes. The basic unit, called a carat, is 200 milligrams, or 1/142nd of an avoirdupois ounce. Although measured by weight, a well-cut, one-carat diamond will measure one-quarter of an inch diameter. A most interesting fact is that an eight-carat diamond will measure only one-half of an inch diameter. Among the largest diamonds ever found was one weighing an awesome 3,106 carats – fist sized. It was cut into eight of the world’s greatest diamonds and 96 lesser gems.

Some occupations allow the craftsman to make a mistake, but not that of the diamond cutter. A large, rough uncut diamond has the potential of being worth millions. One slip on the part of the cutter and the stone becomes almost worthless. Legends tell of the rich diamond owners of years ago standing over their cutters while they worked.

Should they make a wrong cut he would order their immediate execution.The true aim of cutters then and now is to bring out the maximum brilliancy of the stone while eliminating as many flaws as possible and still retaining the maximum weight.The cutters are truly artists at this most specialized trade. While Nature made the raw stone, it takes a talented human to reveal the potential of its hidden beauty.

The services of an expert are truly necessary when acquiring diamonds for one’s own personal use. No other product has such potential for deceit or fraud. The reputable dealer remains your best insurance as you fall in love with the brilliance, fire and beauty of each diamond.

]]>http://blingbling.weddingsocial.net/2011/08/diamonds-101/feed/13How Diamonds Are Cuthttp://blingbling.weddingsocial.net/2011/08/how-diamonds-are-cut/
http://blingbling.weddingsocial.net/2011/08/how-diamonds-are-cut/#commentsWed, 10 Aug 2011 03:56:32 +0000http://blingbling.weddingsocial.net/?p=19In their most natural form, diamonds are –
well – quite ugly. They have no luster or shine,
and in fact, look like nothing more than
broken glass. A diamond must be cut, and
then polished before it actually becomes an item of beauty.

Diamonds are cut with saws, into round
shapes. From the rounded shape, other
shapes may be cut, such as heart or pear shapes,
– but the shape is less important than the
quality of the cutting that is being done. If
the diamond is poorly cut, it will lose light,
and it will not sparkle and shine as well as it could.
Each facet of the diamond must be
carefully cut into the geometrical shapes
that allow the diamond to sparkle and
shine, then the entire diamond is cut into
a specific shape, such as an emerald cut
or a princess cut diamond.

Once the cut is accomplished, the diamond is put into
a dop, which resembles a cup with another
diamond – only a diamond is strong enough
to smooth the edges of another diamond.
Once the diamond has been cut and shaped,
and had the edges smoothed in the dop, it is
polished on a scaif or a diamond polishing
wheel, until its brilliance shines bright!

]]>http://blingbling.weddingsocial.net/2011/08/how-diamonds-are-cut/feed/5Understanding the 4 C’s: Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat Weighthttp://blingbling.weddingsocial.net/2011/08/understanding-the-4-cs-color-clarity-cut-and-carat-weight/
http://blingbling.weddingsocial.net/2011/08/understanding-the-4-cs-color-clarity-cut-and-carat-weight/#commentsWed, 10 Aug 2011 03:40:29 +0000http://blingbling.weddingsocial.net/?p=17Purchasing a diamond can test the nerves of even the most astute buyer – what do you look for? What do the terms mean? What makes one diamond worth more than another?

When you step into the jewelry store and attempt to buy a diamond, but do not know the difference between one stone or the other, you’re up for a challenge. Even though two stones may have the same size and carat, the price can be completely different. Why? Here is a simple guide to the essentials of diamond grading.

Understanding these terms will help you discuss with the dealer the features most important to you, ensuring you get the very best diamond for your money. Diamond appraisers look for four qualities in a diamond when discerning its value. Commonly called the ’4 Cs’ they are: Cut, Clarity, Carat and Color. The quality of the diamond in a diamond ring will either increase or decrease the value of the selection, but may still appeal to the visual senses of a buyer. This is fine, but with whatever selection you choose, dealing with a reputable jeweler is a must. This is especially suggested when buying a diamond ring for an engagement or wedding ring that is meant to stand the test of time. In any event, knowing the ins and outs of the 4 C’s will make you a well-prepared shopper when it comes to choosing the perfect diamond setting.

CUT

There are 2 main aspects of “cut” – the quality of the cut and the shape. The quality of the cut refers to the brilliance of the diamond, while the other refers to the actual shape of the diamond.

1. Quality of the cut – affecting the brilliance of the diamond – is the most important characteristic of a diamond to consider. The brilliance is determined by the ability of the diamond to reflect light. A quality cut diamond will have facets angled to reflect the greatest amount of light. Beware of diamonds cut to maintain a higher carat weight while sacrificing the cutting of a good angle as this will dramatically reduce the brilliance. The standard ratings for diamond cuts vary from greatest least as follows: Ideal, very good, good, fair, and poor.

2. Shape – Diamonds are available in many shapes. Some of the more common are; round, oval, pear (teardrop shaped), heart, princess (square shaped), Emerald (rectangular shaped), radiant, marquise (football shaped), asscher, and cushion. Of all the shapes available, round diamonds are the shape most capable of being cut to exude the greatest brilliance.

CLARITY

Diamonds from natural sources are subject to individual flaws including trace minerals and scratches. A diamond without such characteristics is characterized as “flawless” and is the rarest kind. While these flaws are often not visible to the naked eye, they affect the light reflecting qualities of the diamond which affects the overall brilliance.

I1-I2-I3
Included (three grades). Inclusions visible under 10x magnification as well as to the human eye. We do not recommend buying diamonds in any of these grades.

It is important to remember that the clarity of the diamond only effects the value of the diamond; not necessarily the appearance of the diamond until the level I. Level I is more visibly flawed, and not a preferred diamond to purchase.

CARAT

Carat is the measurement of the weight of a diamond. One carat is equal to 200 milligrams, or 0.2 grams. One carat may also be referred to as ‘100 points’. This means that a half carat would be listed as ‘50 points’ and so on.

The larger a diamond is, the more costly it becomes. Since the larger diamonds are much rarer in the environment, the cost will go up significantly with the increase in size. A one carat diamond will typically be more than double the cost of a half carat, however, a ring with multiple diamonds that have a combined weight of one carat will be cheaper than a single stone of that weight. It is also important not to confuse “carat weight” with “karat,” the method of determining the purity of gold.

COLOR

The color of a diamond typically refers to the grade of the whiteness of a diamond. The more light that is able to pass through the mirror like diamond – the more sparkle the diamond will emit. The highest quality of diamond is presented in a colorless diamond. The more color that a diamond has, the less rare it is considered, as seen with yellow shades of these gems.

Diamonds that are classified as “colored” or “fancy” diamonds do not follow the same color grading as colorless, white diamonds. These fancy diamonds are very rare and valuable.

To grade ‘whiteness’ or colorlessness, most jewelers refer to GIA’s professional color scale that begins with the highest rating of D for colorless, and travels down the alphabet to grade stones with traces of very faint or light yellowish or brownish color. The color scale continues all the way to Z. A typical ‘white’ diamond should be as colorless as possible – a rating of ‘D’ being the rarest and most desirable. When choosing a colorless diamond it is best to stay within the D-J range or the diamond will have a yellow cast which lowers the value. The less natural color the diamond has, the more colors will appear in the flashes reflected in the prism. It is important to match your setting with the color of the stone. If you prefer a warmer diamond color with more of a yellowish hew, be sure to pair the diamond with a yellow gold band.

From the information provided above, it is important to remember the 4 Cs as factors to consider when buying a diamond. You don’t have to be a certified gemologist; however, having a basic knowledgeable about the features of a diamond that are of greatest importance to you will help you find a diamond within your budget that fulfills the value you are looking for.

]]>http://blingbling.weddingsocial.net/2011/08/understanding-the-4-cs-color-clarity-cut-and-carat-weight/feed/19Buying Diamonds Onlinehttp://blingbling.weddingsocial.net/2011/08/buying-diamonds-online/
http://blingbling.weddingsocial.net/2011/08/buying-diamonds-online/#commentsWed, 10 Aug 2011 03:33:58 +0000http://blingbling.weddingsocial.net/?p=15With all of the potential for scams concerning
diamonds, buying diamonds online almost
seems unthinkable! However, you actually
can purchase diamonds online, without any
problems – as long as you are careful.

First, think about your reasons for wanting to
purchase the diamond online, as opposed to
making a purchase from a local jewelry store.
The most common reason is price. Due to
low overhead costs, online jewelers and
wholesalers are able to offer lower prices.
However, you must be careful – sometimes
a price that is too low is a sure indication of
a scam.

One of the best things about purchasing
online is the unlimited selection. When
shopping offline, you are limited to the
selection in the stores in your general area.
Online, there are no limits. But again, you
must use a great deal of care and
consideration before entering your credit

card information on the site you have chosen.

Before shopping, learn as much as you can
about diamonds – especially cut, color,
clarity and carat weights. When you are
knowledgeable about diamonds, it will be
harder for a con artist to rip you off. Once
you know more about diamonds, you will be
ready to start shopping.

Take your time. Don’t purchase the firstdiamond that you see that interests you.
Instead, look for similar diamonds for sale.
Do some comparison shopping to find the
lowest prices and value you are looking for. Once you have found what appears to be a good deal, start doing your investigation. Some sites have online chat help services to provide guidance or helpful information.
Once you have gathered information, know about diamonds, and have found adiamond that you love at a price wit in your budget, you are partially there. There are still a few steps towards actually purchasing that diamond!

Review the vendor’s credentials, such as
professional jewelry associations that they
belong to, and certifications for their diamonds.

View and print the seller’s return, refund, and upgrade

policies. Also inquire about additional services,

such as settings and mountings, sizing, and free shipping. In addition, review the insurance policy. If the online company does not have its own insurance or an associate company available, you will have to look for an insurance company that you can sign up with to cover insurance associated with damage, loss, or theft of the diamond. Also, do
a search for customer reviews on this
particular company around the Internet, and check with the BBB online to see if there have
been any complaints.

Follow these steps to ensure you protect yourself when making an online diamond purchase!

]]>http://blingbling.weddingsocial.net/2011/08/buying-diamonds-online/feed/3Diamond Buying Jargon Explainedhttp://blingbling.weddingsocial.net/2011/08/diamond-buying-jargon-explained/
http://blingbling.weddingsocial.net/2011/08/diamond-buying-jargon-explained/#commentsWed, 10 Aug 2011 03:30:00 +0000http://blingbling.weddingsocial.net/?p=13Buying a diamond can be an overwhelming experience.It’s complicated. There are lots of new words you need to learn, but don’t panic! The basics are very easy to understand.

BODY:
It’s easy to get overwhelmed when buying a diamond by all the new words you have to learn. But don’t panic! It’s not really that difficult.

The four most common terms used to describe diamonds are cut, clarity, color, and carat. It’s vital to understand what each of these means as they define a diamonds quality and value.

The cut, not surprisingly describes the way in which the stone has been cut. This tells you more than simply what shape it is. The cut will determine how light passes through and how much it will appear to sparkle, or how much brilliance it has. This will be rated from poor to ideal.

Clarity is determined by how many flaws there are, which will also Effect the brilliance. Almost all stones have flaws, but the untrained eye will rarely notice them.

People are often surprised that diamonds have a color, but they do. Colors such as red and green are extremely rare and therefore are very expensive. Most common are white or near-colorless diamonds, with just a hint of color. These traces of color will absorb light, so for maximum
brilliance you want a stone with as little color as possible.

Carats are a measure of weight. A small increase in weight will mean a Big increase in cost. In fact it is possible to buy many small diamonds for The cost of one large one.

Now you understand these key words, buying a diamond should be a much Less scary prospect.

]]>http://blingbling.weddingsocial.net/2011/08/diamond-buying-jargon-explained/feed/5Diamond Weighthttp://blingbling.weddingsocial.net/2011/08/diamond-weight/
http://blingbling.weddingsocial.net/2011/08/diamond-weight/#commentsWed, 10 Aug 2011 03:26:47 +0000http://blingbling.weddingsocial.net/?p=11Diamonds are measured in Carat Weight.
One carat weighs 200 milligrams. If adiamond is referred to as four grains, this
also means that it is a one carat diamond.
The word Carat comes from the word carob.
A carob is a bean that grows on a tree in the
Mediterranean. In times past, if a diamond
weighed the same as a carob bean, it was
one carob, or one carat.

However, in the far east, where Carob trees
do not grow, rice was used to measure the
weight of a diamond. If a diamond weighed
as much as four grains of rice, it was four
grains – or one carat as we know it to be
now. The majority of diamond purchases
are for diamonds that are 1/3 of a carat.

Beware when shopping for diamonds that
are already set or mounted. If more than one
diamond is used in the piece, the tag on the
jewelry will give the CTW or Carat Total
Weight – it does not tell you the carat weight
of each stone in the piece. You need to ask
the jeweler for the total carat weight of the
largest diamond in the piece to truly
understand what you are buying.